1
as in tough
difficult to endure
had the onerous and stressful job of notifying the families of soldiers killed in action
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2
as in challenging
requiring much time, effort, or careful attention
building the scale model of the frigate was an onerous task
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Recent Examples of onerous
But Oz suggested work requirements can be implemented without the onerous paperwork requirements that have been a hallmark of state attempts in the past.
—
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukraine called Washington’s latest terms too onerous.
—Grady McGregor, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In addition to discussing tariffs, the two chatted about deregulation as well as the onerous debt and deficit burden the government is facing.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
The humanitarian crisis sparked by the more than 51,000 migrants who made their way to Chicago since 2022 — when GOP Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of asylum-seekers from Texas — was one of the mayor’s most onerous predicaments upon entering office.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Ukraine called Washington’s latest terms too onerous.
—Grady McGregor, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In addition to discussing tariffs, the two chatted about deregulation as well as the onerous debt and deficit burden the government is facing.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
The humanitarian crisis sparked by the more than 51,000 migrants who made their way to Chicago since 2022 — when GOP Gov. Greg Abbott sent his first busload of asylum-seekers from Texas — was one of the mayor’s most onerous predicaments upon entering office.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for onerous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onerous
Adjective
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But the Lotus ladies will have some tough competition, including seven-time winner Allison Janney, two-time winner Patricia Arquette, and potential double nominee Kaitlyn Dever.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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After some tough matchups in the Trader Joe’s Elite Sweets Tournament, one classic emerged as the champion.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Assessing type A skills of collaboration solely from resumes can be challenging.—
Ming-Chien Chyu,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Having a terminal diagnosis is challenging but also clarifying.—
Ashley M. Wilcox,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Donald Trump defended his harsh new tariffs on Saturday Night Live this week — and maybe took a swipe at last week’s musical guest, too.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
5 Apr. 2025
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When the father tried to explain himself, the women criticized him for being too harsh.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There are very big match-ups being played week in and week out in what is one of the most difficult leagues to play in on the planet, this means the big contenders will drop points more often than in some other leagues.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Generations of design successors have insisted that pie charts are difficult to read and even amount to optical informatic illusions, but we are still stuck with them.—
Mara Mills,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Plan Your Trip Charleston, South Carolina The Holy City may be blanketed in humidity in the height of summer, but Charlestonians have figured out all the best ways to deal with the oppressive air.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
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Yet history provides no shortage of examples of human courage, even under the most oppressive circumstances.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Here’s a brief comparison between top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom: • U.S. Programs (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg): These are typically two years long with frequent in-person sessions; these programs offer an immersive but demanding experience.—
Shai Zamanian,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Scene-stealing comedic parts in the Pitch Perfect franchise and on series like Modern Family led to more physically demanding opportunities in series like The Righteous Gemstones.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Stir-frying is a method of quickly searing and cooking bite-size pieces of protein and vegetables in a splash of oil over high heat.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
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Theron’s performance as the one-armed warrior Furiosa is one for the ages—stoic, searing and unbearably emotional beneath the surface.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many industries began to complain about burdensome regulations that were not only costly but also difficult to navigate.—
Eric Reicin,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Reworking burdensome zoning codes that slow down developments.—
Mike D'Onofrio,
Axios,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onerous. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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